[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15492]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR PAKISTANI FLOOD VICTIMS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 10, 2010

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise to offer my deepest 
condolences to the victims of the recent flooding in Pakistan, which is 
the worst this country has seen in 80 years. A monsoon that began at 
the end of July has resulted in at least 1,500 lives being lost, 
countless more missing or trapped, and at least three million people 
being displaced. It is estimated that up to half of those affected by 
the disaster are children. Critical infrastructure, crops, and homes 
have been destroyed and aid to impoverished areas has been disrupted. 
As the Pakistani people recover from this devastation, they should know 
that the United States stands with them and is ready to provide 
assistance.
  There are immediate needs that must be addressed, such as supplying 
food, clean drinking water, basic shelter, disease prevention, and the 
rebuilding of roads and bridges. I am heartened by the efforts from the 
Pakistani government, the United States, the United Nations, 
philanthropic organizations, and charitable donations from private 
citizens across the world.
  The United States has acted swiftly by committing $35 million, as 
well as humanitarian aid experts and essential supplies, to assist 
Pakistani citizens affected by the flooding. The United States Army is 
providing four Chinook and two Blackhawk helicopters to the Swat 
Valley, delivering 33 tons of supplies and airlifting 800 people to 
safety. Additionally, American citizens have been making small 
donations through their cell phones by texting the word ``SWAT'' to the 
number 50555. This money goes to the U.N. High Commissioner for 
Refugees to provide needed supplies like tents, clean water, food, 
clothing, and medicine.
  This is an unspeakable tragedy. Sadly, monsoon rains continue to 
fall; further endangering populations and making relief efforts even 
more challenging. Increased international assistance is critical to 
helping the millions who are in immediate need of food or shelter. My 
thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Pakistan as they recover 
from this disaster.

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